Sneak Preview: Upcoming DVD shows Rolling Stones changes 1964-1969
By Phyllis Pollack
This coming Tuesday will see the release of all the Ed Sullivan shows on which the Rolling Stones appeared from 1964 through 1969. Two DVD releases will include those shows in their original format, along with all the episodes' guests and unedited commercials. Titled "The Ed Sullivan Show Starring The Rolling Stones, the sets will include a 2-DVD Deluxe set, with all six episodes, and a 2-DVD set containing four episodes with the Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World. The shows seen together, as a whole, offer a look at how much the band changed from their first American tour through the end of the Sixties. This offering is executive produced by Grammy Award and Emmy Award winning producer and filmmaker Andrew Solt, who owns the rights to all the Sullivan shows. Among his many credits, he produced the film 25 x 5: The Continuing Adventures of the Rolling Stones.
Clearly, no one could picture the band playing on a television variety show again, especially being followed by Topo Gigio, a mouse puppet. However, this was the context of the family-friendly show that for two decades could help break an act nationally. CONTINUE READING BELOW THIS ADVERTISEMENT.
The first Rolling Stones appearance on the show was on October 25, 1964. Sullivan begins his introduction of the Stones by saying, "And now, for all you youngsters." The band performs "Around and Around," followed by the likes of comedy duo Stiller and Meara, Peg Leg Bates, a dancer that had lost a leg at age 12, but who gets around on a wooden leg, the bagpipe playing Kim Sisters from Korea, and comedienne Phyllis Diller.
The band will end up with 17 performances on the show, couched between circus acts, comedians, patriotic performances and talent representing several countries. No other act else gets near the amount of screams the Stones get from young girls in the audience, except the Beatles.
The second show featuring Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bryan Jones, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts would ensue on May 2, 1965. According to Sullivan, "Tonight's show is mainly aimed at the youngsters." In a time period before Jagger "pranced," the band is seen playing "The Last Time." Jagger is wearing a checkered shirt, and Richards, who is singing back-up vocals, has one of his Les Pauls in tow. Sullivan is almost difficult to hear when he talks to Jagger, because of the screaming from the frenetic audience. "And now, for you grown ups," according to Sullivan, there would be other fare. The band returned for a performance of Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster," with Bryan Jones on slide guitar, and Jagger playing harp. Also seen is their version of the late Solomon Burke's "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love," which Mick Jagger performed at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2011. Keith Richards plays lead guitar. Sullivan tells the audience "Shhh..." twice in an effort to stop the screaming that continue after the band leaves the stage. While the credits roll, the Stones are playing "2120 South Michigan Avenue," an ode to Chess Records. Tom Jones is among the episode's guests.
February 13, 1966 brings the band back to play "Satisfaction." At this point, the band is very much in living color, one of the changes seen since their first appearance.
Within the commercials is the amusing "Man from Glad." The band also performed "As Tears Go By." during which only Jagger and Richards are filmed for this song. Both are wearing suits. The band also kicks into "Mother's Little Helper," a song about bored housewives dependent on five milligram valium pills to get through the day.
Among others on this episode are Leslie Uggams, performing "Melancholy Baby" in an evening gown.
An iced tea commercial features two couples dancing the twist at a picnic. The hostess is informed that no one is eating because they have not drunk any Lipton tea, of which the claim is made that it will make them want to eat. After just one drink, the dancing couples become ravenous. This is just one of the marketing ploys seen in the now nostalgic commercials that are part of the footage.
Dusty Springfield is also among this episode's performers.
The Stones would return on September 11, 1966. Exactly 35 years later, the World Trade Center would be decimated. The show's opener is "Paint It, Black." The band is wearing suits again. Bryan Jones plays dulcimer during a performance of "Lady Jane." Psychedelia is more than hinted at as the band plays, "Have You Seen Your Mother Baby Standing In The Shadows." The evening's performers include pantomime artist Red Skelton, the late Robert Goulet and the late Louis Armstrong. Joan Rivers also appears.
On January 15, 1967, Red Buttons, Herman's Hermits, Jackie Mason, Flip Wilson, Petula Clark and the Muppets are among those appearing on the Sullivan show that features the Rolling Stones playing "Ruby Tuesday."
It would be a different song, however, that would catch Sullivan's attention. The conservative host demanded that the band change the lyrics of "Let's Spend The Night Together" to "Let's Spend Some Time Together," and the band was irritated, but complied. Sullivan introduced the band, using his new song title. Jagger dons a gold lamé suit coat for the occasion. Jones is at the piano, wearing a white hat that is topped of with a lime green shirt, while Jagger dances to the music. It would be their last Sullivan appearance with Jones.
On November 23, 1969, the band joins guests including the late Rodney Dangerfield and the late Ella Fitzgerald to be guests on the show. The band is now performing with Mick Taylor, who appears playing a white Fender Telecaster. The Stones play "Honky Tonk Women" and "Gimme Shelter."
One can't help but notice the obvious changes in the band's appearance since the first show. There's a lot more hair, and Jagger is wearing eyeliner and mascara. Richards' appearance has undergone the most blatant transformation, with his darkened teeth, rooster hair cut and peasant shirt.
Merry Clayton's voice is heard, but not seen, as the band performs to a track.
The Stones also play "Love In Vain." There is no longer screaming heard from teenage girls. Jagger is wearing a black and silver choker, and is dramatic in a red and black cape. With their concert at Altamont just over two weeks away, the band's appearances on the show had ended.
'The Ed Sullivan Show Starring The Rolling Stones' will be out this week.Slideshow: Mick and Keith
Slideshow: Mick and Keith
Video: The Rolling Stones
